Academic Advisor

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Job Description:

Apply for JobJob ID353422

LocationTwin Cities

Job FamilyStudent Services

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code9703AA

Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin

Add to Favorite JobsEmail this JobAbout the Job





Position OverviewThe Academic Advisor advises students and provides support to the School of Social Work's undergraduate programs, Youth Development Leadership M.Ed. (YDL), and MSW program in all aspects of the student academic career from acceptance to graduation. The incumbent in this position serves as a front-line representative of the School to students, alumni, and the University community and works collaboratively with the SSW Graduate Program Coordinator.

The role will develop and implement innovative strategies to continuously strengthen SSW's relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., current students and alumni) and improve the services provided to these groups. Additionally, the position will promote the School's programs within the department, college, the University, and wider communities. The ideal candidate must use sound judgment and actively support and advance the University's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.This is a 12-month, 100% time annually renewable position.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.Job ResponsibilitiesAcademic Advising (40%)

• Serve as the primary contact for YOST & YDL students including advising, program requirements and milestones, and degree plan review.
• Share MSW advising load with the Graduate Program Coordinator
• Guide, support, and challenge students on decisions related to their academic careers using knowledge of academic advising and student development.
• Understand, communicate, and apply program, college, and university policies and influence the development of policies.
• Develop strong relationships and trust with students by meeting individually with advisees, connecting through email and social media, visiting classrooms, and circulating information about University resources.
• Work in conjunction with program faculty, when appropriate, to help students problem-solve.
• Advocate for students when appropriate and necessary.
• Maintain office hours that provide good accessibility to students.Program Service, Development, and Promotion (40%)
  • Meet regularly with YOST, YDL, and MSW Directors to plan, update, and resolve issues related to students, faculty and degree requirements
  • Coordinate with Academic Support Services Professional to implement strategies to manage enrollment in undergraduate, YDL, and MSW graduate classes such as distributing permission numbers or setting enrollment limits
  • Maintain program-related communication with students using a variety of media outlets, including University email, various mass-email software, social media, non-course websites such as Canvas, and the School's website
  • Maintain and oversee the distribution of program material that outlines policies and procedures, such as the student handbooks
  • Attend and/or provide staffing for the following meetings: YOST Committee, YDL Committee, MSW Program Committee, SSW Council, and any other College, Undergraduate or Graduate School, or University meetings related to policies governing graduate education
  • Collaborate with SSW faculty, staff, the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of YDL in the continuous assessment, development and improvement of the undergraduate programs and the YDL program
  • Represent and promote SSW programs within CEHD and the larger University. Maintain communication and collaborate with constituents
  • Assist with the planning and implementation of program events and celebrations (e.g. end-of-year celebrations; orientations; welcoming events)Student Support (20%)
    • Serve as the primary contact for interested applicants and students for all assigned program areas, including enrollment, program requirements and milestones, curricula, registration, scheduling of required exams, and degree processing
    • Counsel and refer current YDL, YOST, and MSW students with vocational, financial, housing, social, or cultural concerns, and other issues as needed, and refer students to other University or public agencies when specialized assistance or counseling is appropriate
    • Take initiative in seeking out resources to support YOST, YDL, and MSW students. Advocate with other University units as appropriate on behalf of students. Maintain a network of community and University resources and consult and refer students as appropriate
    • Troubleshoot issues for international YDL and MSW students to promote a smooth transition to enrollment in the School's graduate programs
    • Audit and process MSW, YOST, and YDL student forms, monitor student progress, and report issues on student progress, as needed, to the appropriate program administrator for resolution
    • Review, approve, or route for approval as necessary verification of degree completion, student status, loan deferment, etc., for MSW, YOST, and YDL students and alumni
    • Grant departmental approval to non-degree students taking graduate courses
      
      Qualifications
      
      
      
      
      
      Required Qualifications
      • Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree plus 2 years of experience
      • Experience working with students
      • Proficiency with MS Office products (e.g., Word, Excel), and Google Workspace
      • Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours
      • Ability to understand and appropriately respond to common stressors experienced by many students (mental health concerns; financial; social; etc.)
      • Demonstrated experience and evidence of commitment to integrating equity awareness into advising practice and support of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences
      • Excellent time management skills
      • Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skillsPreferred Qualifications
        • Master's degree in counseling, student services, or a related field
        • Experience in academic advising or higher education
        • Record of excellent written and oral communication skills in individual, small group, and large group settings
        • Familiarity with information management systems, including generating queries and reports from databases
        • Experience with APAS, Slate, GPAS, Peoplesoft
        • Experience with Qualtrics (online survey tool) and Canvas (web-based course platform)
        • Experience in creating web content, program handbooks, and marketing content
          
          About the Department
          
          
          
          
          
          Department OverviewFounded in 1917 on Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.College OverviewThe College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://cehd.umn.edu
          
          Benefits
          
          
          
          
          
          Working at the UniversityAt the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
          • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
          • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
          • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
          • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
          • University HSA contributions
          • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
          • Employee wellbeing program
          • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
          • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
          • Financial counseling services
          • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
            
            How To Apply
            
            
            
            
            
            Applications must be submitted online. Click the Apply button and follow the instructions, and you will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.To be considered for this position, please upload the following required documents:
          • Cover Letter detailing why you are interested in working specifically in this position at the School of Work
          • ResumeAdditional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
            
            Diversity
            
            
            
            
            
            The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
            
            Employment Requirements
            
            
            
            
            
            Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
            
            Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax
            
            About the U of M
            
            
            
            
            
            The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
            
            

Keywords: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis , Academic Advisor, Other , Minneapolis, Minnesota